As the Ravens left the field Saturday as winners, a message rang out. “Only the strong survive” was their call.

For quarterback Joe Flacco and wide receiver Torrey Smith, the Ravens’ 38-35 double-overtime victory over the Broncos was a moment of redemption.

Smith, who was injured during the Dec. 16 game in Baltimore between the Ravens and Broncos, caught touchdown passes of 59 and 32 yards Saturday — both victimizing Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey.

Flacco, who endured criticism for his performance in the Ravens’ 34-17 loss to the Broncos last month, completed 18-of-34 passes Saturday for 331 yards and three touchdowns — including a 70-yarder to Jacoby Jones that tied the score 35-35 in the last minute of the fourth quarter. Flacco’s passer rating for the game was 116.2.

“Anytime you beat a team that beat you before, there’s redemption,” Smith said. “I was just playing football against Champ. He’s one of the best corners in the game. He doesn’t talk trash. After the first one, he said, “Hey, man, that was a nice play.’ “

Flacco was sensational in outplaying the Broncos’ Peyton Manning, who committed three turnovers.

“Turnovers led to 17 points. I think that was pretty key and critical,” said Broncos coach John Fox.

Flacco was asked if he felt pressure this season because he’s in the final year of his contract. He made it clear he believes he’s one of the NFL’s elite QBs and deserves a contract to match.

“What’s going to happen is going to happen,” Flacco said. “This is just one game. It’s awesome moving on. All of the things we’ve overcome, it’s awesome to get to this point.”

Flacco was satisfied with his performance. “It’s a good opportunity when you get the safety flat-footed and a receiver running down the seam,” he said of his long pass to Jones. They were deep, but I had enough time in the pocket to step up and let it go.”

He was facing Manning, considered a class above Flacco as a quarterback.

“If I paid attention to it, it might bother me,” Flacco said. “I don’t know if I was an elite quarterback today. But what happened was pretty cool.”

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